Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1887-02-24
COMMUNICATED.
FOX HUNT AT OAkvHLLE.

As the manly and health-giving pleas
ures of the chase seems to excite much in
ierest in our county just now, IL may not
be inappropriate TO give you short des-
cription of most enjoyable and success
full hunt which took place from Oakville
on the 10Th instant
By day-dawn the stiffness usually hoy
ering over this quiet little hamlet at that
hour had been transformed, and in its
stead, hurry, hustle, footing of horns and
yelping Of excited hounds reigned supreme.
Indeed, so many hunters had assembled
and the array of horses was so great, that
to one coming in, it appeared as if regi-
ment of cavalry had bivouaced there for
the night. After waiting short time for
Mr.. Edwards and the Chapiico contingent,
Capt j. T. NJ. Raley, the old veteran, APP
peared on the scene and holding short
consultation with his "Chief of Staff" the
genial local sportsman, Mr.. Philip T.
Buckler, they concluded that Mr.. E. must
have started fox and so determined to
meet him. Riding about two miles at a
very rapid gait, halt was called and the
beautiful cry that broke on our ears
showed the correctness of their conclu-
sion. Our dogs about 16l packed in in
admirable style and before 8 a. m. Rey-
nard's tail adorned the bride of the gay
and .testice Y. p. Dawkins. The morning
being quite warm about half an hours rest
was taken which was much enjoyed espe-
cially by the dogs.
The thirst for Reynard's gore not being
satisfied, it was decided to carry the war,
not exactly into Africa, but into a place
Little Cat Creek in some parts of which
are jungles nearly as impenetrable.
Under the leadership of the Chief of
Staff the hunting ground was at last reach
ed by route, the passage over which. was
feat second only to that performed by
Bonaparte when he led his army in mid
winter over the Alps.
y grey was soon jumped and combining
himself in his course 10 a small circle, in
the centre of which, on an eminence, We're
the hunters, he, for a short time afforded
as beautiful and exciting sport as was ever
seen. An hour or so was enough TO effect
his capture, which was handsomely done,
Mr.. Dawson securing the brush.
Capt. Raley with party of two or three
were attracted TO Mr.. Magill's Store (no
doubt by Patuxent oysters) While there,
the hounds were heard. Endeavoring to
reach them without a guide, they found
themselves completely hors du combat by
reason of impossible ravines Capt. Buck
Ter, of the friendly man-of-war Louisa
Whyte, which had just dropped anchor
and who is always at the front when duty
calls, seeing their dilemma and hearing
the hounds in full cry, sprang on horse
without saddle and conducted them safe
iy to the scene of action. But, alas il was
too late, except for laugh at their expense
1t was now about ~ o'clock, and not
wishing to exterminate the entire breed,
we went back 10 Oakville and there sepa-
rated for our homes much pleased with the
mornings sport
Mr.. Dorsey did not put in an appearance
which was much regretted. Prudence is
always the better part of valor."
Among those present were, Messrs. Ra-
ley and Dawson, of the Branch; Blair and
Mattingly, Of the Neck; Payne, Hammc,t,
Waters and Dawkins, ST Clements Bay
Edwards, Goddard, Mattingley and others.
Chaptico; II. o. and j. II. Reeder, Laurel
Grove; Payne and Garner, Morganza
Hoping the hunt may soon be repested,
OAKvILLE, Febr'y. 81, 1887. r.